McDonald’s franchisees support Irish FA grassroots awards

McDonald’s franchisees’ support for local football was highlighted at the 2026 McDonald’s Irish FA Grassroots Football Awards, where volunteers, coaches and clubs were celebrated at Belfast City Hall. The annual event recognised the people creating opportunities for young players across Northern Ireland, with inclusive football and restaurant-level community involvement among its themes.

Belfast ceremony celebrates local football

Now in their 26th year, the awards celebrate people who give their time to develop grassroots football and make a difference in their communities. The Irish FA reported details of this year’s ceremony on 28 October.

Nine awards were presented, covering coaching, volunteering, inclusivity, community engagement and club development. Northern Ireland football figures Steven Davis, Rachel Furness and Pat Jennings joined the winners and finalists at Belfast City Hall.

Wellington Rec Youth FC was named Club of the Year. The category recognises clubs providing high-quality football opportunities for children and adults, alongside their contribution to developing the game and supporting their communities.

Jessica Bell of Antrim Town Women and Girls FC received the Wes Gregg Coach of the Year award. Jonathan McClelland of Berlin Swifts and Swiftettes FC won the People’s Award for Outstanding Contribution to Grassroots Football, which was decided by public vote.

Tom McKenna of Crewe United FC and Shaun Marshall of Lurgan Celtic FC were runners-up for the People’s Award. Its focus is an individual’s exceptional contribution to grassroots football within their local community and beyond.

Franchisee support reaches beyond the restaurant

For Ireland’s franchise community, the ceremony also provided a specific example of how local operators participate in activities beyond their core businesses.

Pat Jennings, a McDonald’s Fun Football Ambassador for almost two decades, highlighted the practical support provided by franchisees across Northern Ireland. He described their involvement in supplying kits and equipment to grassroots clubs and hosting community events.

Jennings said: “I have also seen the support that the McDonald’s Franchisees across Northern Ireland have provided to local grassroots football clubs, by providing kits and equipment or by hosting community events.”

The awards also recognised restaurant-level support for the local game. McDonald’s Newtownards was highlighted for its links with Ards Rangers Inclusion and its role in championing inclusive football opportunities.

That work is led by franchisee Des Lamph, supervisor Andrea Morrison and business manager Chris Wilkin. The example brings the contribution of the local restaurant team into focus, alongside the wider McDonald’s and Irish FA programme.

Inclusion remains a central theme

The opportunities football offers to children of different backgrounds and abilities were a recurring theme in the comments from the ceremony’s guests.

Rachel Furness, Northern Ireland’s record goalscorer, attended the awards for the first time. She highlighted the importance of ensuring that girls and boys can enjoy football, describing the Fun Football programme as a safe and inclusive space for children to play.

Steven Davis also reflected on the influence of grassroots football on his own career. He praised the work of McDonald’s and the Irish FA in helping young people across Northern Ireland access the game, regardless of their background or ability.

Jennings linked his own experience as an ambassador to the volunteers who deliver those opportunities. He said travelling across Northern Ireland to meet them had taken him back to where football began for him.

Together, those contributions kept attention on the people delivering local activities, rather than solely on the presentation of trophies.

Recognition for the people behind the clubs

McDonald’s franchisee Paul Connan said the awards were an opportunity to thank the volunteers and clubs that help grassroots football thrive across Northern Ireland.

“At McDonald’s, we are proud to support the people and clubs that bring communities together through football,” he said. “Their time, care and enthusiasm gives young people opportunities and skills that reach far beyond the pitch.”

The ceremony brought that contribution into view through both individual honours and recognition of club and restaurant involvement. From publicly nominated volunteers to the Newtownards team’s relationship with Ards Rangers Inclusion, the examples showed several ways local support can take shape.

Practical takeaway: Franchisees considering community involvement can start by asking local clubs what support they need. Kits, equipment and community events are practical examples highlighted at this year’s awards.